A Bike Ride and Foot Loose

I knew I'd get to ride sooner or later. I may actually be getting back into the "groove!" We enjoyed the company of more than a few new riders. We made reservations for twenty-two at the Celebration Towne Tavern. Our group was much larger than that but a number of them didn't stay for lunch.
We chose to split up into two groups so Pete headed out with the fast group and Jim lead the sightseers through the eastern neighborhood of Celebration.

It was decided that both groups would head for our first pit-stop at the Celebration Hospital. That worked well for everyone but yours truly. I made the (normally) brief call to make reservations only to be put on hold for (what seemed to be) forever. There I sat on my bike as the last rider turned the corner at the end of the street. Reservations finally made, I figured I'd catch up to them in quick order.... right! Three weeks not riding sets one back more than a little. With more than the usual huffing and puffing I managed to catch up. But, by that time, Pete's group was well on their way so I missed out on catching their pictures on the trail. I heard later that a couple of our riders took spills but everyone is OK.

Using my new camera meant taking more pictures. So lets have some fun captioning some of the "paparazzi!"

Jim to Judy, "I bet I can ride my bike with my hands in my pockets longer than you."

 

 Pete says, "Joan and I left the cruise early for this?"

 

 John says, "I do NOT have my helmet on backwards.......now!"

 

Jim mumbles, mmmmm I always get stuck with the sightseers!"

 

Jim to Pete, "Come on, lets at least flip a coin for the groups!"

 

Judy (in the red and white jacket) says, "Saddle up, helmets on, we're movin' out, ride single file, follow all stop lights, you know the drill!"

Dave says, "Just keep moving." Now lets check all the smiling faces....

 Angela says, "Oh gosh, I don't want to be in the blog!"

 Marti blew past me on her "Muppet" bike with big white wall tires and a clothes pinned baseball card clacking over the spokes!

 

Bill says, "What the.........."

 Ed, I said wave, not block your face!

 Gee, what a happy group.

Of course they're happy... next stop is lunch.

 Notice? The quietest we've been all week.

 

 This one's for you Alice!

 Meanwhile over at the "kids table!"

 

Before I close, Judy and I were talking and she filled me in on the Lake Magic "Welcome Home" party last week. She remarked about how Jack is really opening up and enjoying himself with our group. Judy mentioned the music was playing and everyone was getting lively when Jack approached her and asked her to dance.

Well, Judy was speechless.

This is so unlike Jack.

Judy's a good sport and they both hit floor

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Jack and Judy lit up the floor.

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 Way to go Jack and Judy!

 

Now that's the way to end a story!

What's It Like to Ride!

I've missed three bike rides but I've logged a lot of miles... driving that is! Although, I admit I'd like to be hitting the trails with all the "Palm Tree Bikers," I'm having a lot of fun taking cars here and there along with a few really great people. I've become quite used to the routine at my new role working at Disney. The only thing is, I tend to work "as needed." When we're busy I'll be busy. However, lately I've been filling in as the regulars enjoy their scheduled days off. Hence, I'm getting more than the average hours a CT (seasonal Cast Member) gets, but they are scattered throughout the week. Every once in awhile I manage to work an entire week if needed. No complaints here. (The problem is that my schedule messes up Pat's scheduling!) The work is unique and very special. All that means is that I need to rely on my (unofficial) "gum shoes" to send me the "skinny" on the rides. This week, Judy and Judy (their names have been changed to protect the innocent) for the latest photo journal. (I'd like to thank Judy and Judy for their photos and their courage to face glaring stares and under the breath comments over the course of their task and above all, to get the picture!)

This week our riders headed to the "wilderness." Fort Wilderness, that is. You'll notice that the photos center around the noon lunch! My "reporters" have yet to master the photo technique of riding and "shooting" at the same time. Or, the "sleuth" approach to getting candid photos while on the trail.
Hopefully, yours truly will be on the upcoming ride and be able to train our young "gum shoes" in the art of "getting the photo at all costs!" (Judy and Judy be sure to remember your body armor and full face helmets as this is a requirement of your training program!)

However, I will say that this photo of the eager riders indicates a clear disregard for the Captain's safety spiel! Bill, being an "old salt" sailor is more than likely addressing deck/dock procedures that may not be up to Naval standards! (Note: I didn't think Bill was a Boatswain's Mate in the Navy!)

In spite of our rider's "war of words," they all managed to arrive at the Wave in good order!

Missing out on the Wave's Ruben sandwich is not taken lightly by this writer. I will be scanning the photos for everything and anything out of the ordinary in an attempt to right any wrongs as a result of my absence. Hmmm, lets see, good posture, positive activity, aha, HATS on at the Wave! Darn, one of them has his back to me, I'm unable to make a positive ID. The other has the HAT down and over the face. Darn, no positive ID for this one as well. I'll move on to the other table.....

 

 No hats, good! Pensive and making conversation, good. Aha! three riders with inappropriate shirts! Wait, I don't recognize them. Perhaps, they are new to our group. Well, in that case I'll make an exception.

 

Next! Wait, there's something strangely familiar about this photo! I'll have to study this group a little more with the help of Photoshop. They appear to be enjoying their meal and conversation. Wait! Look, lower right, that's, that's a Ruben! There's nothing wrong with this table. I'll move on

 

This table must be acting up. There is a Manager attending to an issue! What did they do at this table?

I see Steve is back perhaps he confused the waiter with his drink order. Water or Tea or soda.

What, he wants both, water and a drink!

 

 I notice another new couple. How dare they take on new riders

without me!!!! Wait, there's the new "take charge" guy hiding his face.... Jack! I heard he gave the receptionist a grumpy time asking for our reservation! I'll be conferencing with "Betty" to find out just who the trouble makers were.

Aha! That's why the Manager. Jack is "covering up" so as not to be recognized. I bet he gave himself away... he's the only one who enjoys eating healthy at the Wave!

 

I believe there are two new riders seated to the right. That appears to be Bill and Angela! I heard they recently arrived from the frozen north and needed the bike ride to prove to their kids and Grandkids they can still ride with the best...(I think the real reason is because their Daughter Dawn is seriously getting into shape and Mom and Dad are going to challenge Dawn to a 26 mile bicycle Marathon when they return home.)

 

 

I knew it, that is Bill and Angela! Don't worry Dawn, they are eating healthy! That is NOT a Ruben in front of Dad! Angela is much more clever. She knows that her bright red Mickey sweater blots out everything on her dish in front of her!

 

Ya know what? I just realized the "real" trouble makers are MIA! How dare they go on a cruise! I will deal with them on their return. I need someone who can give them a good "dressing down."

Hmmmm, let's see........Bill, got a moment?

 

Well, "Blog Friends," in spite of my "observations," it would appear the day was a success..........

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without me!

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Judy, take notes please. We will be addressing the "PTB Indoctrination Program" for new riders over the next week!

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I'm going to spoil it by showing up for the next ride...

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hopefully!

 

Jack Heads North And A Ride Around Celebration

Jack was bursting to get on the plane and get back to that nice cool (read cold) air of New England!
he was so excited to be heading out that I had to wait for him to finish his morning bike ride. The only problem for Jack was that he had to wear "big boy" pants! The frequent flier was looking

forward to seeing Alice and his daughter... but would rather be greeting them here than there!

(Oh, don't tell Jack but that party is still on at his place next week!)
Yours truly got to ride with our group this week. The weather was just right. Not too much sun and any rain held off for us to make it a day. We gathered at our usual starting point.

We naturally had to discuss the route, when to eat, and who's leading!

And you're not going to believe it, but that is our very own Judy leading the way.

She got tired of all the guys whining about who's going to lead!

She blazed the trail to our pit stop at the Hospital.

She had enough!

Pete and Jim reluctantly posed for their photo.

(I had to take the photo really fast, the "darts" were beginning to sting!)

 

Ah, but then, our new rider Lynne, sat in as the "rose between two thorns."

Is it me or do I notice and complete reversal of Pete and Jim's expressions!

 

Thanks to a willing passer-by we all got to be in the photo!

Of course we broke bread together at the Celebration Towne Tavern.

Thanks to John and Mary Kay our party enjoyed some awesome hand-dipped onion rings!

It seemed funny that we all complained of being stuffed after the meal. Too much food and all...

it wouldn't be the onion rings by any chance, would it?

As you can see our group is rather small. That's because many of them headed home for the Holiday!

We're thinking of all of you and hope you enjoy your time with your family and friends.

To each and everyone of you we wish you a very

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

All of the "Palm Tree Bikers" and their Encore Lake Magic friends would like to send special
greetings, and wishes for our good friends Rose Mary and Ray.
We're thinking of you!

Biking through the "Wilderness"

Our hearty bikers headed out from Lake Magic for Fort Wilderness. Jim and Judy, first to arrive were greeted and welcomed by "Pat" the guard at Fort Wilderness. "Pat" seemed to know us because she said she can see the entourage is arriving. I guess our reputation precedes us! The group was rather compact so they all headed out together, led by Larry.

We were all going along just fine and all of a sudden we broke into two groups (Fast and "methodical"). While the Fast group was "burning up" the pavement and taking no prisoners, the "methodical" group was searching out the dedicated decorationists. As you'll see they were not disappointed.
 

 

 If you look closely below you can see Pete's "Selfie!"

 

It's a good thing the guy has a diesel motorhome with a compressor!

 

 

Lunch was at the "Roaring Fork."

We'll be reporting this lunch violation to Betty over at "The Wave!"

Topping this fine day off was a photo op at the Wilderness Lodge Christmas Tree.

 

Photos thanks to Judy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excuses, excuses, escuses!

What is the real reason our Blogs are slow in getting posted this year?
A. The dog ate my laptop!
B. I've got a good memory, but its short!
C. I'm getting lazy!
D. Both B and C!

ANYWAY......

Thanks to my "roving reporter" I can offer a "snip-it" about our ride a couple of weeks ago... if I can find the photos sent to me!!! Grrrrrrrr. Aha, found them!

 Notice how stoic everyone is?

 

Everyone is so peaceful! It takes a long time to read the menu! Decisions, decisions!

I hear the bike ride was uneventful except for the story Larry tells of the "old guy" driving slow in the left lane! It doesn't matter that the poor old guy was wheezing and gasping for air as Larry blew past him almost knocking him off the road! And speaking of "OLD!" Several of us (at our Christmas party) brought up this story and were poking fun at the "Old" people we encounter and slowly turned to each other and almost in unison said...OMG what are we talking about? Look at us! We're all in the "OLD" category!

 

A couple of weeks ago our bike ride was rained out! Never fear, we can do lunch!

Missed this bike ride as well. It looks like work is taking a toll on this week's ride as well. However, a damp overcast day curtailed everyone's bike ride this week but at least we can mange to eat!

Thanks to a late start I managed to partake of our lunch get-together at Gator's.

Pete just learned how to make a "selfie!"

 

Not to be out done, Joan also wanted to make a statement with her own "selfie!"

Hmmmm, yep, can ya see the resemblance?

  

The PTBs Christmas Party 2014-15 winter "snowbird" season commenced on a balmy December day with lots to talk about.

 

Sorry to say several of our riders were not in attendance. A couple headed north, a couple were scheduled to work and a couple were "under the weather." But they were all here in spirit!

Pat made sure there were no "line-skippers!"



 



Great food, great conversation and even the weather was great. Although, I notice something about how we "gather." Remember all the family house parties you've attended? The men and the women "group" together just like the "old days!"

Well, maybe not so much this little group!



 

But, certainly this one! Together, we corrected all the world's issues... !

 

Our driveway (and grass) equaled just enough room to park our party-goers!

 

As you guessed, we schedule our parties from 3:00 to 5:00pm and typically around 5:00:03pm someone gets up folds his/her chair and the exodus begins! From now on we're going to send out invitations that read... Our party will be from 3:00pm until ?:??! Let's see if that makes any difference.

(We'll be sending John and Mary Kay the bill for the broken sprinkler head!)

 

Below, Jim and Marti make ready to (literally) back Jim and Judy out of our driveway!

 

Gentlemen, start your engines!

 

We know what you're thinking, does this group ever ride their bikes???

Why of course we do.... between meals!

Our get-together was most enjoyable for everyone. The time flew by and we're already looking forward to next month's party when the remainder of our riders will be here.

Those following along with the latest woodcarving, "The Man With No Name,"
here's the finished piece.....

Here's the story behind "The Man With No Name"

http://oneofakindwoodcarvings.blogspot.com/

 

The next carving - "Marvin's Castle"

Marvin is a DSA Manager who will be retiring at the end of this year. Marvin is forever connected with the Magic Kingdom's Cinderella's Castle. He was the lead Manager for the opening of Cinderella's Castle Suite!

 

Did you get to follow the blast off of the Orion Rocket this past week? Yours truly tried desperately to get a few pictures from a nearby vantage spot to no avail. The delay to launch due to an errant boater, wind and finally a stuck fuel valve was bitter sweet. Our location was fogged in. Aha, I'd have the next day right? Wrong! I was scheduled to start work at 7:00am! So like many of you, TV was the next best thing to being there.

 

Many of our "snowbird" friends have returned but we continue to wait for those who enjoy sharing the Christmas and New Year holidays with their families. A few of our group will be heading out to join their family and friends over the next week or so.

Brrrrrrrrr! Those of you expecting our friends to return up north be sure to provide warm settings for them please. And, don't make fun of them if they complain about being cold! After all, all we do down here is just sit in our rockers in the hot sun!

 

An RV Story to ponder..... Peggy S. would like to share the story of her and her husband Greg's

"Trip to Remember"...

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to one and all!  That being said, this is a different kind of newsletter than you're used to getting. This combination of events related here reminds us of the RV movie with Robin Williams.  If you haven't seen it; it's a good laugh!

                This year we did something very different for us:  we drove our motorhome up to Dayton, Ohio to store it there until we took it on a road trip to Texas and over to Georgia in the fall.  These road trips became an adventure we're not planning to repeat! .  The month we visited in Texas was wonderful and that we do plan to do again...just not with the motorhome.  It will be stored in either Georgia or Florida.

                The troubles started with a flat tire on the motorhome in southern Georgia on the first day of our trip north last spring.  After replacing that tire and getting back on the road, we had another flat tire the very next morning about 10 minutes after pulling out onto the freeway (and it was still dark out).  At that point we decided to replace all the motorhome tires and that took nearly half a day.  We had no further troubles on the trip north, except for a minor glitch as we moved it from a campground at Wright-Patterson AFB to put it into the storage lot.  As we were rounding a corner at 45 miles mph, the awning came flying out! Since we were putting it into storage anyway, we fixed it up with black electrical tape and plan to deal with that problem when we're in Florida this winter. 

                The trip to Texas was uneventful for the first two days, but our luck ran out on the 3rd day.  At 4Pm, and very close to our goal campground for the day, we heard a very loud noise.  At first we thought, it can't be a tire again, and we were right it wasn't a tire...it was a blown spark plug!  The motorhome has 10 sparkplugs, but there is a very loud noise associated with one completely missing!  Long story short; it can take a long time for an insurance road service to locate a towing service with a truck large enough and designed to tow a large motorhome. By the time our motorhome was hauled to a place equipped to work on such a large vehicle, it was 9PM and we were very tired!  The work began the next morning and only took about an hour.

                We left Texas on a Saturday morning and that's when the troubles resurfaced!  We had driven about 1 and 1/2 hours when a piece of scaffolding fell off a truck ahead of us.  Swerving is not really an option with a motorhome, and we were towing a car as well.  So, the motorhome being a bit higher, went right over the piece of scaffolding, but the car could not, and we ended up with another flat tire!  This time it was a car tire and we were able to get it replaced and get back on the road within about an hour altogether. 

                That incident happened around 9:30 AM and by noon it was almost forgotten.  After stopping for lunch, we had barely gotten back on the road when a small car drove past us honking and pointing at the side of the motorhome.  By this time we were really thinking..."Now what?!"  We wanted to ignore them, but of course we couldn't.  That part of I-10 is extremely bumpy and the shaking had jarred open our drop down cover for the pull out sewer hose!  A motorhome sewer hose looks a lot like a dryer hose...except ours didn't right then, it was looking more like a slinky as most of the covering had worn off from being dragged!  We could only laugh and wonder if those people knew what we were dragging. 

                All these mishaps have convinced us that perhaps we don't really need to drive the motorhome anywhere to enjoy it!  We wish you all safe travels and a Happy Christmas!

 

We're happy to read everyone was safe and except for their delays and grief they had to deal with, their story, in the end it turned out to be one for the books! We'd like to say a special thank you and a "tip o' the hat" to Peggy for passing this (not soon to be forgotten) story along to us.

 

I just can't resist one last zinger....

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Remember those new tires Peggy and Greg bought for their rig?

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Peggy and Greg made sure they'll never have another flat in their RV!

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